Like the first-generation A6 Allroad (sold here from 1999 through 2005), as well as the second-gen A6 Allroad that Audi cruelly kept from us, the A4 Allroad features rugged-though-not-too-rugged styling and more ground clearance (a total of 7.1 inches) than its Avant counterpart. Flared wheel arches once again accommodate wider front and rear tracks (0.7 inch wider up front and 0.9 inch wider in back), this time highlighted by stainless-steel—behold, the automotive equivalent of shoulder pads! There’s more brightwork in the form of front and rear underbody guards, shiny aluminum roof rails, and a chrome grille. Rounding out the Avant-to-Allroad styling changes are a contrasting lower body treatment, round fog lamps versus the standard A4’s rectangular units, and some unique wheel designs. The photos you see here are of the 2012 European-spec model, but the one we get for 2013 should look nearly identical.

While our insiders say that much remains to be decided in terms of feature content, the Allroad will be priced and positioned a bit higher than the A4 to reach a more exclusive customer. “It’s safe to assume that [the U.S. model] will come with some higher level of specification,” an Audi representative tells us. This means that while super-premium features like Audi Connect—with its cool Google Earth and search features and 3G WiFi hotspot technology—will remain optional, U.S. models may offer items like the new MMI touchpad interface and angular LED headlights as standard.

One Engine, One Transmission, Four Driven Wheels

Don’t expect any choice under the hood, though. The A4 Allroad likely will be powered solely by Audi’s 211-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, with Audi’s brake-based front-axle torque-vectoring system and “Offroad Detection” system standard. It’s the only engine currently offered in U.S. A4s and will be until a diesel is added when the new model arrives. We drove a pre-refresh A4 Allroad Quattro 2.0T in Europe when it launched and have wanted one ever since.

The only possible downside to all of this is that the addition of the A4 Allroad may spell the end of the A4 Avant in our market. The low-slung wagon has been a slow seller for Audi in the States, which explains the switch to a pricier Allroad that goes after a different clientele.